Fall Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing

This fall salad with maple-balsamic dressing features a maple syrup and balsamic vinaigrette to dress the fall salad with pecans, spinach, and apples.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 637 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 (10 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
• 0.75 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1.25 cups diced apple
• 1.25 cups diced sharp Cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup pure maple syrup

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine spinach, apple, Cheddar cheese, cranberries, and pecans in a large salad bowl; toss well.

Step 2

Place balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and mustard into a blender; blend on medium speed until mixed well. With blender running; pour in olive oil in a steady stream. Blend until dressing is smooth and emulsified (where oil and vinegar are no longer separated). Season with salt and black pepper; blend to incorporate. Drizzle over salad; serve immediately.